Port Blair, Dec 19: Highlighting the unavailability of Dieticians in the Hospitals of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman, Campaign Committee, ANTCC has written a letter to the Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration on Tuesday.
In his letter, Mr. Bhasker pointed out that at present there are three District Hospitals functioning in Andaman & Nicobar Islands comprising of G.B Pant Hospital, Dr. R.P Hospital, Mayabunder and BJR Hospital, Car Nicobar along with one Ayush Hospital.
”As per our information, there are only 2 dieticians available in G.B Pant Hospital which is not sufficient to cater to the needs of hundreds of patients admitted in different wards. The remaining hospitals do not have a single dietician. Unavailability of Dietician is one of the reasons why patients are not recovering soon”, said Mr. Bhasker.
He emphasized that Dieticians are essential members of the health care team. They are responsible in planning individual nutritional therapies to address specific health issues, such as unhealthy weight, diabetes or hypertension while also promoting public awareness for proper nutritional standards and habits. A dietician ascertains the disease of a patient, makes a nutritional assessment of his/her needs, discusses it with a doctor and family members, and then makes a diet plan for the patient.
He added “While Government and Private hospitals in mainland have adequate number of Dieticians in their Hospitals, we are far behind in recognizing the role of Dieticians so far in Andaman & Nicobar Islands”.
Hence, Mr. Bhasker requested the Chief Secretary to take necessary steps to increase the number of posts of Dieticians in G.B Pant Hospital and further appoint an adequate number of Dieticians in other Hospitals. He expressed hope that under the able leadership of the Chief Secretary, the health sector in A&N Islands will reach new heights.
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